Paul Daley, Melvin Manhoef Sign With Bellator MMA

Two well known MMA names have been added to the Bellator MMA active roster, as the promotion announced the signing of Paul Daley and Melvin Manhoef recently.

Daley (34-13) returns to Bellator after a two-year absence. “Semtex” has won five of his last six overall, including a first round TKO victory over Rudy Bears inside the Bellator cage in 2012.

“Like always, I’m coming into Bellator to put on a show,” Daley said. “I loved working for (Scott) Coker back in Strikeforce, and when I got the call to possibly come back to Bellator, it was a no-brainer. I feel great, I’m fresh, and I’m going after that belt.”

Daley reunites with Scott Coker, the new president of the promotion. The two worked together in Strikeforce. Daley was released by the UFC in 2010 after striking Josh Koscheck following the final whistle sounding. He had picked up back-to-back first round knockout finishes inside the Octagon prior to the loss.

Manhoef (28-11-1) scored a first round TKO victory over Evangelista Santos this past April, snapping a two-fight losing skid. He is 4-2 with one no-contest since competing for Strikeforce in 2011.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. We want Bellator to be a destination for not only the top-tier fighters in the sport, but the first-choice destination for fans to see the most entertaining fights in the sport,” Coker said. “Both Paul and Melvin add a level of excitement to the roster that I can’t wait to see inside our cage, and this is just the beginning.”

This will be interesting since they cut Daley because he couldn’t get a visa to the USA due to an assault charge. Last I heard that assault charge was still pending/on the books and he still couldn’t get a visa. That’s why he wanted the UFC to sign him so they could use their lawyers to get him out of it.